Multiple words, such as “delulu” and “skibidi” that many people dismiss as nonsense internet slang used by kids, have just been added to the Cambridge Dictionary.
These slang terms are among the over 6,000 words, phrases and meanings that were added to the dictionary this year, according to a release from the Cambridge University Press.
“It’s not every day you get to see words like skibidi and delulu make their way into the Cambridge Dictionary. We only add words where we think they’ll have staying power. Internet culture is changing the English language and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the Dictionary,” said Colin McIntosh, lexical programme manager for the dictionary, according to the release.
These words have grown in use across both social and mainstream media, as well as making their way into everyday life. Some of the terms are linked to celebrities and influencers such as Kim Kardashian and Hannah Neeleman.
The new additions to the dictionary are part of a growing tendency for dictionaries and the world of lexicology to embrace how the internet shapes broader culture and language. But the news of these terms being added to the dictionary, especially ‘skibidi’ has drawn controversy and a number of opinions online.
“As lexicographers, our job is to observe and record, and it is not to pass judgment on the terms,” said Wendalyn Nichols, a publishing manager for Cambridge Dictionary, per The New York Times. “We have horrible slurs in the dictionary that are appropriately labeled and cautioned about. But they are there because, for learners, if they don’t find these words, they won’t know to be careful.”
A look at some new additions to the dictionary and what they mean
Skibidi
Definition: “A word that can have different meanings such as ‘cool’ or ‘bad,’ or can be used with no real meaning as a joke.”
The word was first coined by the creator of a viral animated video series on YouTube titled “Skibidi Toilet.”
“It has entered the language as an intensifier,” Nichols said, according to The New York Times. “It’s linguistically interesting.”
The word has become popular among gen alpha, another new word added to the dictionary, referring to people born in the 2010s.
Tradwife
Definition: “Short for traditional wife — ‘a married woman, especially one who posts on social media, who stays at home doing cooking, cleaning, etc. and has children that she takes care of.’”
According to the release, this term reflects a growing social media trend which embraces traditional gender roles.
Utahn Hannah Neeleman of Ballerina Farm has been dubbed “the queen of tradwifery.” The term has also been used to describe actress Millie Bobby Brown because of her young marriage and her lifestyle of living on a farm, keeping chickens and cooking each night.
Delulu
Definition: “A play on the word delusional, means ‘believing things that are not real or true, usually because you choose to’.”
According to The New York Times, delulu has been used online for around 10 years and was first used by fans of K-pop stars.
In March, the term was used by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese when he said the phrase “delulu with no solulu” during a speech in parliament, per the release from Cambridge.
Broligarchy
Definition: “A blend of 'bro’ and 'oligarchy,' means ‘a small group of men, especially men owning or involved in a technology business, who are extremely rich and powerful, and who have or want political influence.’"
This term has been used to describe a line up of powerful tech leaders such as Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk who were at President Donald Trump’s inauguration in January.
Inspo
Definition: “Short for inspiration – is something, especially something posted on the internet, that gives you ideas for doing something or that makes you want to do something."
Lewk
Definition: “A play on the word look, meaning a particular style, fashion or outfit, especially one that is unusual and impressive.”
According to the release, the term is used in fashion journalism and was made popular by the reality TV show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
What people online are saying about the additions
When the new additions to Cambridge Dictionary were announced, news quickly started circling around social media, with many people sharing their thoughts.
The word that drew the most attention from people online was “skibidi” which is often seen as a nonsensical word used by gen alpha. Here’s what people on X have been saying about the addition of the word skibidi to the dictionary: